Sophia froze.
Richard's gaze locked on hers, his face unreadable, but the tension in the air was electric.
Tyler, oblivious at first, smiled warmly as Sophia shook hands with his family.
Sophia forced herself to smile, trying to hide the shock and disgust curling in her stomach.
But Tyler's sharp eyes noticed.
"Sophia… have you met them before?" he asked, tilting his head.
Before she could answer, Jay's eyes widened. "Oh my—wait a second. You! I remember you from the business summit! What are the odds… dating my son of all people? What a twist of fate!"
Tyler laughed nervously. "Wow… small world." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, join us for dinner."
The table was a feast of classic American family favorites: roasted turkey with a honey glaze, garlic mashed potatoes, creamy green bean casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, and a fresh garden salad.
Pumpkin pie and apple crumble waited for dessert.
Sophia tried to focus on the food but found herself listening to Jay chatter on.
"So, next year is Grandfather's ninetieth birthday," Jay said, pouring wine for everyone. "We're planning a big celebration . Family, friends, music, fireworks… everything. You have to come, Sophia!"
Sophia's eyes flicked around the room.
She was stunned at how Richard's mother and Tyler's mother seemed so cordial, even friendly.
It didn't really make sense.
Jay had cheated on Beatrice with Katie, Tyler's mother, and yet here they were, smiling as if nothing had happened.
She wondered how peace could exist after such betrayal.
Richard said nothing, but his eyes didn't leave her.
Each glance was sharp, almost accusatory, making her pulse race.
Finally, she found an excuse. "I… my father just called. I have to take it," she said, standing abruptly.
She bolted from the room, heart hammering.
Outside, Richard and Tyler walked silently toward their parked car.
The parents lingered behind, talking and laughing.
"You'll be coming home next Monday, right?" Tyler asked.
"Yeah," Richard replied. "Grandfather's still at the countryside?"
"Definitely. I've been looking forward to it. Home's been boring without you around. You know how annoying Melvin can be"
"I can imagine. He would be there in the dark probably thinking of annoying anyone he finds. When I get there, we'll do all sorts of games," Tyler said, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Even though we're men now, that sounds like fun," Richard said, smiling. "Besides, you never got to experience true wealth because of what happened."
Tyler sighed. "What happened is our parents' fault, not ours. My only concern is my work as a doctor…and the love of my life."
Richard's jaw tightened. "You really like this girlfriend of yours, huh?"
"When you get to really know her, you'll understand. Sophia is smart, free-spirited, kind… any man who doesn't see her value would be a fool."
Richard felt a twinge of irritation. "What if it's the other way around?"
Tyler shrugged. "If a man is truly valuable, Sophia will always know."
Richard gritted his teeth. "You have no idea…"
"Yeah, yeah," Tyler said, blinking, utterly clueless. "So… how's your fiancée?"
Richard smiled faintly. "Gretta's fine. She went back to Germany last month. You know how workaholic she is."
Both men laughed, the tension easing slightly.
***
Katie folded the last of Tyler's clothes into his suitcase. "Tyler, are you sure it's a good idea to move back in with the Smiths now that you're grown?"
Tyler didn't look up from his laptop. "Mother, you keep asking that. You know Grandfather wants the whole family together. I have to build a bond with them before next year—or he'll notice we have genuinely bonded and not get upset."
Katie rolled her eyes. "He stood against you, and now that you're finally grown, he's back to his senses."
"Mom, he was human. He trusted you as his secretary, but you seduced Father instead."
Katie's eyes flashed. "That's not true. Your dad loved me!"
Tyler's voice hardened. "How much did he contribute to my life until ten years ago? He never left Beatrice for you. The person he truly loves is who he calls his wife—and son. As for me, I'm just an afterthought."
Tears glimmered in Katie's eyes. "You are part of this family. Without me and Jay's elder brother, Smith Innovations wouldn't exist today."
Tyler shook his head. "I don't care about wealth. I just want a family. But there's one fear I have."
Katie frowned. "What fear?"
"Melvin Smith," he said quietly. "Richard's younger brother. Beatrice's child. The one born the same night as me."
***
Back at home, Sophia vented to her sister Theresa and mother Paula, pacing the sitting room.
"Of all people to see… Richard Smith! Every place I went today—business meeting, Tyler's dinner—he was there! And now Tyler is his brother?!"
Theresa groaned. "I still can't wrap my head around it. How is that even possible?"
Paula calmly knitted a cap. "You have no choice. The only way to avoid seeing him is to break up with Tyler—and we know that won't happen."
Theresa smirked. "Wait… does that mean Richard's father slept with Katie while married? That's insane.His family is so weird".
"Tyler is my boyfriend, Theresa! Stop calling his family weird!" Sophia snapped.
Mark appeared from the kitchen, apron on, carrying a tray. "Dinner's ready."
As they ate, Mark looked at Sophia seriously. "You'll have to tell Tyler the truth."
"What truth, Dad?"
"You need to tell him that Rchard Smith, his brother is your ex."
***
Valentine's Day had always been Tyler's holiday, but this year, his plans were derailed by the important business summit Sophia's father insisted she attend.
They had postponed the celebration to February 15th, and Tyler was determined to make it unforgettable.
Sophia waited outside the hospital gate, letting the cool Houston evening breeze brush her face.
She hadn't brought her car—they had agreed Tyler would drive her to the surprise he'd planned.
When he stepped out with Theresa and his mother, waving excitedly, her heart skipped a beat.
She ran into his arms, kissing him right there in front of the hospital, joy bubbling over.
"You look so stressed," she whispered, touching his face. "How was work?"
Tyler sighed, tired but happy. "Too many patients. I barely got a chance to drink water."
Sophia smiled knowingly.
She pulled out a bottle from her bag and playfully fed him.
They laughed, hugging tightly as if the world had disappeared around them.
Today, she was supposed to tell him something heavy—about Richard Smith, his stepbrother—but fear made her pause.
What if he walked away? What if he was angry?
"I have something to tell you tonight," she murmured.
Tyler chuckled. "Alright then."
With a grin, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the car.
The drive to their favorite amusement park was filled with laughter and playful teasing.
They rode roller coasters until their stomachs hurt, spun around on the Ferris wheel under the city lights, and tried every game booth, winning stuffed animals and prizes for each other.
Tyler even let Sophia win at the ring toss, making her laugh triumphantly.
Afterward, he whisked her to a hotel he had booked.
The rooftop was transformed: candles flickered in the cool night, soft music played, and men with flutes serenaded them as wine and a small cake awaited.
They toasted and shared sweet bites, their hands brushing, hearts racing.
Back in their suite, they laughed together in the bath, Tyler helping Sophia scrub her back as water splashed around them.
He wrapped her in a soft night robe and carried her to the bed, their lips meeting in heated kisses.
The night was theirs—full of whispered words, laughter, and tender closeness—but Sophia stopped him suddenly, catching her breath.
"I have something to tell you, Tyler," she whispered.
"Can it wait?" he asked, playful and exhausted.
She chuckled, shaking her head. "No… I need to say it now."
They lay wrapped in each other's arms, the city lights spilling softly through the curtains.
Sophia looked into his eyes, her heart pounding.
"Tyler… your stepbrother, Richard Smith… he's my ex. The one I told you I broke up with five years ago."
Tyler froze, a mix of shock and confusion crossing his face.
The room went silent except for the faint hum of the city outside.
Sophia held her breath, waiting for his reaction…